FERNAN WATERLILY

In an earlier post, our plein air visit to Fernan Lake was shared by video.  Just now got around to photographing the pastel painting I completed.  

Always, when first surveying an area for a painting, it's a little overwhelming how many colors are actually there.  Then comes, the decisions how to portray what one sees.  This is what I came up with.  


The photo does not show the brightness of the actual painting.

Campsite Sketching

Camping out doesn't necessarily preclude art.  A sketchbook and a case of pastel pencils accompanied me to Big Hank Campground beside the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River in North Idaho.  Such  a beautiful place inspires a painter's heart.  As I got comfortable in my sleeping bag the second night, I stared through the top of the tent (intentionally left off the rain cover) and enjoyed the stars.  Noticing the tent poles and pattern of the tent makings, I noticed a great example of the golden mean.  So, I memorized the scene to sketch the next day.

As I awoke the next morning, the same scene lit up be morning light presented itself.  So, after the morning coffee and breakfast, set up the sketchbook at the picnic table and sketched both of the scenes.  When I would raise my head to think about what I was doing, I would stare at the trees ahead of me, next to the campsite.  When I finished the skies, it was only natural to capture what was in front of me.

Great practice, both memorizing a scene and, also, capturing what was before me.

Fernan Lake Plein Aire Painting

Today, our group was at Fernan Lake on the east side of Coeur d'Alene.  What a gorgeous summer day.  Look for yourself at the lovely setting Suzanne chose.  The little clip is better viewed small, rather than full page and the sound is low.  You might want to pause the normal nature sounds on the website as well. 

     Above, on the right, is my setup in the shade, doing pastels of the water lillies.  The camaraderie, summer atmosphere, and breeze from across the lake, made it a very pleasant experience.  Not to mention the practice we all got, picking out a view, trying to execute a scene, and go homes with a little painting.

Collection of Art Cards Featuring Paintings of the Inland Northwest

Just a reminder of  a special group of my blank note cards, Art Card Collections, printed in matte rather than a glossy card, frameable, featuring scenes of the Northwest that I have painted over the last few years. They are titled on the front for those of you that are interested in the locales they depict.

Available on Greeting Card Universe, just by clicking on the photo of the card. You may order them just as they are or if you want to send them to someone, put a verse inside, or whatever. Please enjoy.